Garageband missing library sounds and can't use inbuilt piano keyboard

I'm not sure what happened, but Garageband only has 4 instruments in the library - voice, acoustic guitar, effects and electric guitar/bass. I can't find piano or anything else. Also, when I bring up the piano keyboard in the app, the buttons don't work. So something isn't enabled?


I reinstalled the entire music library, which took about 2 hours, yet it only has the same 4 instruments. I deleted the app entirely and reinstalled it, and I have the exact same issue. I have used it lots in the past and had no problems.


Can someone help? I'm using 10.4.8

MacBook Pro (M2, 2022)

Posted on May 15, 2023 12:55 AM

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2 replies

May 17, 2023 07:51 AM in response to jeremy_db

Hello jeremy_db, 

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities. 


If you are noticing that some instruments are missing from GarageBand, you can try to install them again or restore from a backup. Check the following Apple Support articles for instructions: 



If there seems to be a larger issue when opening or using GarageBand, you can also try these recommended troubleshooting steps: If GarageBand isn't working on your Mac.


Please reply back here for more help, or contact Apple Support directly. 


All the best! 

May 24, 2023 06:50 AM in response to jeremy_db

It is a bit confusing. I am seeing only the same for patches, when I have an existing audio track selected. But when I create a new track, all installed instruments are visible, and there is a new drop-down menu, to select all instruments:

So, try to create a new track, to see more instruments.


And use the scrollbar at the bottom of the panel to get to the list of all instrument categories.


The scrollbar may be hidden and only appear, when you try to scroll.


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Garageband missing library sounds and can't use inbuilt piano keyboard

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